warm feel, while white cabinets will brighten the space and have a
clean appearance.
And for flooring, Varner notes, “You can’t go wrong with natural
stone,” adding that travertine is extremely popular right now. After
the stone is sealed, it’s an easy-care option for homeowners and offers
a lot of longevity.
It’s not just about the look you want to achieve in your kitchen, it’s
also about the way it makes you, your family and your friends feel
when you’re there.
ADDITION: 1 + 1 = FABULOUS!
Ever feel like your home would be perfect if only it had that one
room that’s missing? Perhaps it’s an extra bedroom for when Mom
comes to visit, or a bathroom downstairs for guests when you’re
entertaining. Maybe you already have a family room, but it just needs
to be a little larger for your needs. If this sounds familiar, a home
addition may be the perfect solution for making life a little more
comfortable.
The great thing about a new room is that you can plan it exactly the
way you want it. If you’re adding a family room or game room, why not
build a fireplace as well? This will quickly make it the most visited
room in your house. If you’re adding a bedroom either for visiting
parents or a returning college student, why not include an ensuite
bath, which will increase your home’s value as well as make for more
enjoyable visits for your guests.
As with any work done in your home, make sure that you do your
homework before contacting any contractors. It’s a good idea to obtain
estimates from three different contractors before deciding which one
to use. It helps to be as specific as possible in your choices in order to
get the most accurate estimates. Use a spec sheet to ensure that you
are giving all three contractors the same exact information. Using local
contractors is another great way to ensure that you’re getting someone
with a good reputation in the community. Another good idea is to
attend home shows where you can actually meet the contractors face
to face. It’s easier working with someone with whom you have a good
rapport.
The most important thing to remember in any home design project
is not to be too focused on the bottom line only. Many times the
lowest price does not result in the best‑quality job. Do your research to
find the best person for your particular project. ■
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